With a pair of controversial decision defeats under the Bellator Fighting Championships banner, Marcos Galvao (12-5-1 MMA, 3-2 BFC) knows a thing or two about painful losses.

Of course, those temporary setbacks pale in comparison to the loss of a parent, and for Galvao, who competes in the headlining matchup of this weekend’s Bellator 73 event, it’s the memory of his mother that is fueling him to victory.

“Before my mother passed away, I made a promise to her that I’ll win this tournament and that I’ll be the champion,” Galvao told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) in his native Portuguese. “I’m keeping my word.”

Galvao made his Bellator debut in 2011 against then-featherweight-champion Joe Warren, who earned a dubious decision win in a catchweight superfight. Despite the loss, Bellator brass were so impressed with Galvao’s performance, they brought him back for the company’s season-five bantamweight tournament, where he advanced to the semifinals before losing another hotly-contested decision.

Still, “Loro” carried on. He then entered the promotion’s season-six bantamweight tournament and notched wins over Ed West and Travis Marx to secure a spot in the tournament finals.

The Brazilian native and current New York resident believes that despite the past controversial losses, he possesses the skills necessary to carry him to victory.

“I’ll be doing what I always do,” Galvao said. “I’m moving forward and giving my opponent a beating. I’ve significantly evolved my stand up as well as wrestling. I’m going to show everyone what I’ve been working on.”

Galvao meets Luis Nogueira (14-2 MMA, 4-1 BFC) in the finals of the tournament, and the two headline Friday night’s Belltor 73 event at Mississippi’s Harrah’s Tunica Hotel and Casino. Both fighters boast black-belt level grappling skills, but each seems to be driven to put on a show in the standup department.

Galvao believes it’s a recipe for excitement.

“I think this fight will not go the distance,” Galvao said. “Whoever makes a mistake first will lose.

“It’s necessary to fight a smart fight since he’s very dangerous and has heavy hands. We both move forward. Let’s see what happens. One of us is getting knocked out.”

A win would earn Galvao a shot against current champion and Nova Uniao family teammate Eduard Dantas. Galvao said he’s never thrilled to think about fighting teammates, but when belts are on the line, there is no choice.

“There’s no way around it,” Galvao said. “It’s unpleasant of course, but we can be professionals and face each other. We’ll have to go to war.”

But that’s getting a little too far down the road. Sure, the title is the ultimate goal, but first there’s the small matter of winning the season-six crown. Galvao feels comfortable he’ll do exactly that, and he’s looking forward to putting on a show and making good on that promise to his mom in the process.

“I’m in a great place – very focused and calm,” Galvao said. “Do not miss this fight. Luis Nogueira and I are going to put on a show. I think it will be one of the best fights in recent memory.”

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